Jack and I had just moved into a small rental house for a temporary work assignment. It wasn\u2019t fancy, but it was peaceful \u2014 or so we thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On our first night, we met Lindsey, our overly cheerful neighbor. She greeted us with cookies and a strict warning about the local HOA rule: only one car per driveway, no exceptions. Since we had two cars, we explained our stay was temporary, but she just smiled and reminded us that \u201crules are rules.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few days later, we woke to the sound of tow trucks \u2014 both our cars were being hauled away. Lindsey stood across the street in her robe, sipping coffee and smiling proudly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jack and I didn\u2019t argue. Instead, I calmly pointed out a small sticker on our car \u2014 a subtle mark Lindsey hadn\u2019t noticed. Her confident smile faded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next morning, a black SUV pulled up in front of her house. A suited agent knocked on her door and revealed the truth: she had unknowingly ordered the towing of government-marked vehicles, disrupting an undercover operation and causing $25,000 in damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsey was stunned, her coffee mug slipping from her hands. The agent warned her to stay put and wait for further instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Jack and I headed home, I gave her one last piece of advice: \u201cNext time, just stick to baking cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the rest of the day, Lindsey\u2019s blinds stayed shut \u2014 and so did her opinions about everyone\u2019s driveway.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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